This unit is expiring
The expiry date of this unit is 31/07/2025.

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 2
Unit No:
K/616/3058
Credits:
3
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Aim

To introduce the learner to national and local policies in relation to infection control; to explain employer and employee responsibilities in this area; to understand how procedures and risk assessment can help minimise the risk of an outbreak of infection. Learners will also gain an understanding of how to use PPE correctly and the importance of good personal hygiene.

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand own and other's roles and responsibilities in the prevention and control of infections.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1

    Explain employees’ roles and responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 1.2

    Explain employers’ responsibilities in relation to the prevention and control infection.


2

Understand legislation and policies relating to prevention and control of infections.

Learners should be able to outline current legislations and regulatory body standards such as:

  • Coronavirus Act 2020

  • Health and Safety at Work etcAct (HASAWA) 1974
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations(COSHH) 2002
  • Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
  • Environmental Protection Act 1990
  • Personal Protective Equipment Work Regulations (2005)
  • Safe Disposal of Clinical Waste 1992
  • Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005
  • Safe Management of Health Care Waste 2006
  • Health Act 2006
  • Health and Social Care Act 2008

Regulatory Body Standards 


  • Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care 2012, last updated 2017
  • Infection prevention and control Quality standard [QS61] April 2014
  • Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1

    Outline current legislation and regulatory body standards which are relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 2.2

    Identify local and organisational policies relevant to the prevention and control of infection.


3

Understand systems and procedures relating to the prevention and control of infections.

Learner should be able to describe procedures and systems for example:


  • hand hygiene following the Ayliffe technique
  • cleaning schedules
  • waste disposal
  • decontamination of equipment
  • management of linen.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1

    Describe procedures and systems relevant to the prevention and control of infection.

  • 3.2

    Explain the potential impact of an outbreak of infection on the individual and the organisation.

    Individual refers to someone requiring care or support; it will usually mean the person or people supported by the learner.


4

Understand the importance of risk assessment in relation to the prevention and control of infections.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1

    Define the term risk.

  • 4.2

    Outline potential risks of infection within the workplace.

  • 4.3

    Describe the process of carrying out a risk assessment.

  • 4.4

    Explain the importance of carrying out a risk assessment.


5

Understand the importance of using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the prevention and control of infections.

Learners need to be able describe the different types of personal protective equipment (PPE), for example:


  • gloves
  • aprons
  • gowns
  • masks
  • goggles
  • face shields
  • visors.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1

    Demonstrate correct use of PPE.

  • 5.2

    Identify different types of PPE.

  • 5.3

    Explain the reasons for use of PPE.

  • 5.4

    State current relevant regulations and legislation relating to PPE.

  • 5.5

    Describe employees’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE.

  • 5.6

    Describe employers’ responsibilities regarding the use of PPE.

  • 5.7

    Describe the correct practice in the application and removal of PPE.

  • 5.8

    Describe the correct procedure for disposal of used PPE.


6

Understand the importance of good personal hygiene in the prevention and control of infections.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1

    Describe the key principles of good personal hygiene.

  • 6.2

    Demonstrate good hand washing technique.

  • 6.3

    Identify the correct sequence for hand washing.

  • 6.4

    Explain when and why hand washing should be carried out.

  • 6.5

    Describe the types of products that should be used for hand washing.

  • 6.6

    Describe correct procedures that relate to skincare.